Reds Claim New York Yankees Star Off Waivers

He's officially gone.

New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader has been claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.

Jeff Passan of ESPN was the first to report this news.

The Yankees placed Bader on waivers on Tuesday to give him an opportunity to get claimed by a playoff contender. Since he was claimed prior to the September 1 deadline, he will now be eligible to play in the postseason.

The reason they gave Bader this chance is because his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Although there was once a lot of talk about whether the Yankees should sign Bader to an extension or not in the offseason, this now seems like an unlikely move for the Bronx Bombers.

The Yankees, who are 10 games back of the last Wild Card spot in the American League, have pivoted towards a youth movement, calling up several top prospects to play down the stretch.

Another reason Bader was placed on waivers was to clear room for top prospect center fielder Jasson Dominguez, who the Yankees are calling up Friday when rosters expand to 28 players. With Bader gone, this paves the way for Dominguez to see extensive time in center field in September.

The Yankees acquired Bader from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery at the 2022 trade deadline. Bader spent three separate stints on the injured list during his time with the Yankees. He did, however, hit five home runs in the postseason last year. But now his time with the Bronx Bombers has come to an end.